Alcohol abounds

A map of area hooch, vino and beer producers

In 2013, the Denver-based Brewers Association reported a 17.2 percent rise nationally in craft beer sales. At that time, Colorado ranked fourth in the nation for number of craft breweries, at 4.7 per 100,000 of-age adults.

Locally, the scene has expanded in step. And we've gotten not only a number of new nano outfits in the last few years, but also a respectable boom in distillery activity (goo.gl/zb1E0N).

Since we aren't located directly inside an American Viticultural Area (geographically designated for ideal grape growing), it's no surprise we count only a couple wineries. But many Colorado labels from the Western Slope region are easily found in local liquor stores and on many restaurant menus. And on the whole, the Pikes Peak area fares well when it comes to artisan and awesome in drink.